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BLU-27 Fire Bomb (648389) 1:48 Eduard Brassin The BLU-27 was used extensively in Vietnam as a method of delivery for Napalm – a mixture of highly volatile chemicals that gave it the name, and a gelling agent to improve adhesion to any target. It gained a horrific reputation for its use there, and could be deployed either with a finned tail for a more directed detonation, or without fins, which usually resulted in the canister tumbling, making for a larger spread of the fiery content on impact. Although it isn't banned, it is actively discouraged in use by modern conventions and the fear of the public backlash if it was used in our modern world. As usual with Eduard's larger resin sets, they arrive in the oblong Brassin box, with the resin parts safely cocooned on dark grey foam inserts, and the instructions sandwiched wrapped around, providing extra protection. Inside are three zipolok bags of grey resin parts, plus another bag containing enough parts to create four canisters with or without fins, or any mixture in between. The four bodies terminate aft of the rear weld seam, and have four of each type of tail, which fits into a cut-out in the body, ensuring correct alignment with the shackles. The finless tail is a mirror image of the nose, while the finned part has a fin base where the tail cone should be, which the separate fin part slides into. The resin fins are so thin as to be transparent, so will need careful handling, but will look realistic once painting as a result. The decal sheet included the red designation rings at nose and tail, with a small stencil that is applied aft of the nose cone to the side of the bomb. The instructions use Gunze codes and show the weapon painted olive drab, although they could be left bare aluminium, so check your references if you are modelling a specific mission. Detail is fabulous as expected, and although this is an awful weapon, they were carried by aircraft that we like to model and there's no point in airbrushing them out of history. Review sample courtesy of

Russian Rocket Pod, Submunition Dispensers & US Fire Bombs 1:48 Aero Bonus by Aires These sets are just what the doctor ordered if you're looking for some more unusual ordnance for your aircraft models, and want the highest detail possible from the packet. Aero Bonus are a subsidiary brand of Aires, so you know that the quality is going to be of the highest standard. Each set comes in a flexible flat(ish) pack very similar to the Quickboost packs we already know. B8V20 Russian Rocket Launcher (480033) This is a pod carried by the Ka-50, Mi-17 and Mi-24 helicopters, and can carry up to 20 of the unguided S-8 unguided 3.1 inch rockets. Two sets of parts are included to allow the modeller to build up a pair of pods from three main body parts, and twenty individual rocket tips, which allows you to fill the pod to whatever extent you choose ready for action, or just back from a sortie. A small sheet of decals are included to detail the pods once painted. KMGU-2 Russian Submunition Dispensers (480040) These are advanced second generation submunition dispensers of a similar variety to the British JP233 runway buster, but are cylindrical with eight individually opening sections that dispense different types of mines to make the intended target a little uncomfortable for the opposition. They can be used by most Russian Attack aircraft, including the Mig-23, Mig-27, Mig-29, Su-25, Su-27, Mi-24, Ka-50 and Ka-52. The units are single parts, and have a small attachment point at the rear of the dispenser that should require only a little clean-up. There are added wings on the base to protect the four delicate stabilising fins during its time in the packet, which would be best snapped off to allow easy access to the fins for removal. A small decal sheet provides stencilling and guide markings for each unit when painted. Mk-77 Fire Bombs (480039) The Mk-77 is America's primary incendiary bomb that supposedly "better for the environment" than Napalm, containing less benzene and using kerosene instead of gasoline. Whether the people in the vicinity of the blast would agree is another matter entirely! The set includes two of these snub-nosed tanks, with plenty of surface detail, including filling ports and stabilising vanes along the top of the tank. Each one is made by removing the tank from its pouring stub, and either drilling out a 2mm hole in the bottom to accept one of the two detonator caps (the other is pre-drilled), or drilling it out to 4mm to receive a top-hat shaped insert that then takes the cap. Which Mod out of 4,5, or 6 that pertains to is for you to check your references. Two suspension lugs are added to matching holes on the top of the tank, and here the finesse of the moulding is truly stunning, with each one having a hole through its centre. Review samples courtesy of distributed in the UK by Hannants Ltd.